At Spotlight we care about the health and safety of every community member.  After reviewing the best practices and reccomendations of the CDC, Spotlight New Year's Celebration will not require proof of receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.

That said, we expect you to do your part to keep yourself and others in our community healthy and safe. As we plan and prepare for your arrival, we ask that you monitor your health before attending the event. Should you get sick or feel sick prior to your arrival, we recommend that you stay home. Should you get sick or feel sick while at the event, we encourage you to isolate to prevent further spread.

Please know that we want our community to be healthy while also having the opportunity to dance.

- Frequently Asked Questions -

Will proof of receipt of the COVID-19 vaccination be required to attend Spotlight?

No; We do encourage everyone to speak with their primary care physician to see if a COVID-19 vaccine can benefit you. By choosing to attend, you assume the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

What are your mask requirements?

Spotlight does not intend to have any mask requirements, however dancers may choose to mask at any time.

Will these policies change?

We do not have plans to change the policy. That said we do not know what will happen in the future. If there are unforeseen circumstances that cause us to change these policies, they will be clearly communicated as soon as possible.

What can I do to help?

Monitor your health. If you are not feeling well or know that you are sick, please stay home. We will refund or transfer your weekend pass in accordance with our refund and transfer policy.

Ask questions. If you don't understand something about our policies, please contact us using the link below.

At Spotlight New Year’s Celebration, we want to create a fun and friendly environment where everyone can enjoy learning, dancing, competing and have a great time in the process.  Our code of conduct is designed to provide you a guideline for how we can work together as a community to keep everyone safe and happy.  In addition, it provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable behavior, what to do if you experience or witness inappropriate or unsafe behavior and how we as dancers and/or organizers help to support a safe environment for everyone.

How to maintain a safe, friendly and fun environment:

Be respectful of those around you on the dance floor. If you bump into someone, apologize. If you hurt someone, apologize, and also try to figure out how you can keep it from happening again. We encourage you to do your best to be aware and to show compassion.

Respect other people’s boundaries. We can do some crazy things around here, but just because you see someone do something with someone else doesn’t mean they will want to do it with you! This applies to everything from close dance holds to moves like dips, flirty conversations or just agreeing to dance. If you aren’t sure of someone’s boundaries, or can’t tell from their nonverbal cues, then ask them. If you misjudge, and they ask you to stop, either verbally or nonverbally (such as with a facial expression or a body language cue), then please stop.

Ask, and respond, respectfully. People around here usually happily accept an invitation to dance, but it is also okay to say “no.” If you are turned down for a dance, please respect that decision and find someone else to dance with instead. If at any point in a dance you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you can tell your partner that you are uncomfortable, ask for any adjustments you need, or stop the dance before the song ends without explanation. Requests for your own safety and comfort are respectful of your partner as your ally in creating fun for everyone, and are not the same as offering someone unsolicited feedback on their dance skills (which is generally considered rude). If you are often uncomfortable in dances or often the recipient of these kinds of requests for adjustments, you should consider reaching out to a teacher or trusted ally for help.

Know your limits. Remember that alcohol and other substances can make it harder to judge boundaries accurately; please be mindful of your limits so that you can be mindful of others.

This environment is for everyone regardless of race, age, level of dance, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, disability, physical appearance, religion, or anything else. We do not tolerate harassment or threats of any kind. Any situation that makes someone feel unsafe or uncomfortable is unacceptable and may be considered harassment.  If you harass or threaten someone, you may be asked to leave.

What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable or harassing behavior:

Please watch out for each other and help us to take care of you. If you aren’t sure if someone else is okay, please take a closer look: ask them for a dance to draw them away from the situation, or ask, in a friendly way, if they need help. If you are subjected to harassing behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unsafe or unacceptable behavior, or have other concerns along these lines, please seek out, text or call one of the people listed below; you may also ask the hotel or venue staff to find us.  We promise to listen and to treat you with respect and confidentiality.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior:

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable or harassing behavior is expected to do so immediately. Actions that compromise the safe and respectful environment of this event are not acceptable from any member of our community: attendees, teachers, judges, performers, volunteers or staff. Depending on the severity, the response to a problem may range from talking to the offending person and asking them to do or not do something, to asking them to leave the venue immediately without warning, compensation or refund. Those conversations or actions may take place in private if that seems appropriate to the situation. If you see additional problems after you or someone else spoke with us initially, we’d like to hear about them too. We want this to be a place everyone can enjoy. We are grateful for your help and commitment to making our shared environment safe for everyone.

• Liability Release: Everyone must read and sign the release at the time they purchase and receive tickets. 

• Supervision: A chaperone (age 21 or older) is required to attend with each participant under the age of 18. The chaperone will be responsible for supervising the participant(s) throughout the event, on and off site. 

• Disclaimer: The event staff reserves the right to remove any person (or persons) who present(s) potential harm, danger or disruption to themselves or anyone around them while attending the event. 

• Code of Conduct: Everyone is expected to read and follow the code so we can all enjoy our experience.

• Your wristband/tattoo is your ticket and must be worn at all times. Do not remove it. You will be charged full price for a replacement. Choreography competitors may have their wristband temporarily removed prior to a performance by the contest staff in the ballroom. 

• Seating is open and shared for everyone except at tables identified by group names. You may sit in a chair or on the dance floor. You may not sit on the carpet or stand anywhere that blocks the view of others seated behind you. You may not “hold” shared seating by parking your stuff there. Anyone who wants a front row seat is invited to sit on the edge of the dance floor during performances. Please be curteous and ask the reserved seats in the front row. “Sit in a chair or sit on the dance floor - Not on the carpet and don’t block the doors” 

• Video recording and photography is welcome during all contests. Video recording is only restricted during special exhibitions. No tripods or extension cords allowed in the ballroom. Good Internet etiquette requires that you get permission before publishing identifiable videos of others. 

• Outside food or beverages are not allowed in the ballroom. This is a hotel regulation.

• Workshops begin on the hour. Doors close 5 minutes after the hour. Late entry is not allowed. Teachers may elect to allow students to record a short video recap at the class conclusion for personal use.

If you have any questions regarding our event rules or would like further clarafication, please contact us the the link below.

All participants agree to: 

• You must have a weekend event pass to compete in any competition. All single day or evening passes are not eligible for contest entry.
• Read, know and follow all contest rules and the code of conduct. Ask questions in advance. 
• Respect the contest staff, fellow competitors and exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. 
• Register and pay the contest entry fee prior to the published deadlines. 
• Pick up your competitor number prior to the scheduled closing time for onsite registration. 
• Check in with the competitor coordinators in the staging area 15 minutes prior to the start of each round of each contest in which you will be dancing. If you do not check in you will be scratched and forfeit your entry fee. 
• Never use vulgar or offensive gestures, costumes or song lyrics. 
• Consent to unrestricted use of your name and likeness in photos and videos to appear in future promotions. 
• All contests are gender neutral and as such you may be able to dance as a leader and/or a follower in any contest.  See specific contest rules for details.
• Complete scores from all final rounds will be posted immediately following each awards presentation. Preliminary and semi final tally sheets are not posted publicly, however you may request a copy for contests in which you participated after the awards have been announced.
• Contests with fewer than 5 entries (couples) may be cancelled or the prize money reduced at the organizers discretion. Entry fees for cancelled contests will be refunded.

Strictly Swing Contests 

Sign up with your partner. We pick the music. Different skill levels are offered. Each is a separate contest. Couples will dance in heats for several short songs. If more than 15 couples enter a division there will be a preliminary contest followed by a final round. Judges will evaluate the couples based on their demonstration of good social dancing skills, timing, technique, connection, lead and follow, presentation and showmanship.

• Matching costumes and props are not allowed. Coordinating attire is acceptable.
• The same partners may not dance together in a Strictly Swing contest and a choreography contest. 
• This contest is gender neutral. You may lead at one level and follow at the next higher or lower level. 
• You may only enter one level per role. 
• You may not enter the same level dancing both roles.
• You may not enter the contest more than once with the same partnership regardless of switching the roles of the partnership. 
• A couple must enter the highest skill level either of them qualifies for based on WSDC points. 

(5) Strictly Swing contests are offered.

• Newcomer/Novice, Intermediate, Advanced: For these divisions a couple must enter the highest level either partner qualifies for based on the WSDC points they have earned and the WSDC level criteria for Jack & Jill.
• Open: This division is open to all levels but is designed to offer a contest at the highest level of the event.  It is recommended that you qualify for All Star or Champions for entry into this division.
• Masters (50+): Both partners must be 50 years of age or older. Because this is an age requirement rather than a skill level requirement you may also enter another Strictly Swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish. 

Routine Contests

Bring your partner, your music and your dance routine. It’s all about the show! Routines are danced in a solo format. Dance order is chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time. Your music must be turned in to the contest DJ by/at the floor trial for your event. It must be a single file, clearly labeled on a USB thumb drive. Alternately, you can email the file to our routine division DJ Tim Johnson  (djtj@dancefanatics.com) 24hrs in advance. If you need your music’s tempo altered, started in the middle of the track or an early fade out, please have someone edit your music in advance. 

• Performance must be at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3 minutes for Rising Star and ProAm routines.  Invitational Jack & Jill has a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds and a maximum of 5 minutes.
• Choreographed entrances are counted towards the time limit. 
• Costumes are encouraged. Props are not allowed (except in Bookends). 
• Lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required. 
• There are specific times scheduled for competitor floor trials listed on the schedule. 
• Restarts will only be allowed in cases of: 

1. Music malfunction/Technical problem.
2. Wardrobe/Costume malfunction.
3. Head Judge stops the couple. 

Rising Star

• Must be fifteen (15) years or older.
• May not have placed or made a qualifying final in a NASDE Classic or Showcase contest.
• May not have obtained Champions points within the last ten (10) years.
• May not have won the Rising Star Tour top point award in any previous seasons

ProAm Routine

This contest is segregated into two levels Novice and Intermediate (Not open to Allstar and higher dancers). It is offered for all styles of Swing: West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Shag and Hand Dance or any other style of popular swing dance. Students enter with their teacher and perform a choreographed routine to music they choose. 

Invitational Jack & Jill Routine

Routines must include at least 50% swing content. Large cash prizes are offered to top placements. 

Jack & Jill Contests

Enter as an individual. Dance with a randomly chosen partner. The DJ picks the music. There are contests for many skill levels. Onsite registration for all Jack & Jill contests are limited. There are strict entry deadlines published in advance. You must enter before the deadline. Jack & Jill contests allow individuals to enter without a partner and demonstrate skills in spontaneous dancing with a variety of partners. There is an inherent “luck of the draw” factor involved. Leaders and followers are randomly paired. There will be several partner changes during the preliminary and/or semi-final rounds. Competitors are scored individually on timing, technique and teamwork in the preliminary heats. Those scoring the highest will be called back later to dance in a subsequent round. In the final, individuals are randomly paired, then scored as a couple. The DJ picks the music. Tempo and style will vary. All songs will be appropriate for the dance division entered. There are cash prizes awarded to the winners. This contest is gender neutral.  You may enter this contest one time per role as a leader or follower. However, you may not enter the same level of a contest in two different roles.

West Coast Swing Jack & Jill Levels - The (WSDC) World Swing Dance Council Points Registry is used to determine eligibility for the West Coast Swing Jack & Jill skill levels. Current WSDC point information is available on the World Swing Dance Council Webpage for anyone to look up which division they have qualified for. Competitors are expected to honor this system. You may only dance in a level other than what you qualify for by petitioning the chief judge at least 48 hours in advance. WSDC registry documents have been recently updated. 

The following West Coast Swing Jack & Jill contests are offered. 

• Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, AllStar, and Champions – These contest levels are governed by the World Swing Dance Council Points Registry.  Please go to the website to ensure you enter the appropriate level contest.  If you are new to competing you will begin in newcomer.  If you feel this doesn’t accurately reflect your level of dance you may petition with the chief judge prior to the contest.
• Masters (50+) Novice and Open - These divisions are for competitors age 50 and over. Master Novice is for those dancers that meet the age requirement and are Novice level or lower competitors as defined by the World Swing Dance Council.  Masters Open has no points requirements however is considered to be all Masters dancers with a skill level which exceeds Novice as defined by the World Swing Dance Council. You may enter Masters Novice or Open and another swing Jack & Jill contest at the skill level and role.
• ProAm Newcomer/Novice, ProAm Intermediate/Advanced - We are offering 2 levels of ProAm Jack & Jill allowing you to enter as an individual and dance with a Pro. For this contest, amateurs are defined as anyone who does not teach dance on a regular, ongoing basis and qualifies between Newcomer and Advanced as defined by the World Swing Dance Council. For the purpose of this contest a professional is defined as a Champion or Allstar level competitor.

Definitions

• Breakaway - A set of symmetric or complementary movements or footwork executed by a couple who intentionally breaks contact (except for spins and turns), which is not clearly a “leadable” derivative of a recognizable swing pattern.
• Costumes - Attire that in the opinion of the judges is specifically designed or selected for couples competition and would not generally be worn for social dancing. 
• Drop - Movement in which either partner’s head and torso go below knee level of the other partner. 
• Entrance - Pre-choreographed segment of a performance, where competitors formally enter the floor and prepare to dance. Acknowledging your partner, the judges, or the audience is not considered an entrance. 
• Exit - Pre-choreographed segment of a performance, where competitors leave the floor. Acknowledging your partner, the judges, or the audience is not considered an exit. 
• Lifts - Any movement lasting longer than a full beat of music where the feet of one partner are clearly off the floor and the other partner supports the lifted partner's weight. 
• Props - Throw away skirts, shirts, scarfs, etc are considered props in this context and are not allowed. Anything other than what would be considered acceptable clothing.
• Routine - Any segment, which, in the opinion of the judges, consists of prearranged choreography including symmetric or complementary movements or footwork. 
• Swing Content - includes West Coast, Hand Dance, Lindy hop and Shag. 

Relative Placement Scoring

This system used to determine winners in final rounds. It was adapted from the figure skating system and is now widely used at major dance competitions. It minimizes the impact of a rouge judge's mark and recognizes the most consistently scored entry. An equal numerical value is assigned to each Judge's raw scores, so that each Judge has an equal vote in the final outcome. A very detailed explanation of this system with examples can be found in the World Swing Dance Council Library .